Specimen Requirements

Collection Instructions:

1. Serum and Plasma gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.

2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.

Pediatrics

Draw a full, green-top (heparin) Capiject® blood collection tube. Mix by gently inverting 6 to 8 times. Promptly send heparinized whole blood refrigerated. If there is an expected delay in transport, spin down and send 0.25 mL of heparinized plasma refrigerated. 

Adults

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Preferred:

Serum

Draw blood in a gold-top serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. Protect specimen from light.

Note:

1. A speckled-top serum gel tube (s) or a plain, red-top tube(s) is also acceptable.

2. Indicate serum on request form.

3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Alternate: 

Plasma

Draw blood in a mint green-top (heparin) gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of heparinized plasma refrigerated. Protect specimen from light.

Note:  1. Indicate plasma on request form.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Sample Stability Information:

If protected from light: 2 days at room temperature;  7 days refrigerated;  6 months frozen